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Wolves Wod Kindred EIN 20-195017

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Wolves’ Wod Kindred & Tribal Organization Inc. Laws

Introduction The following by-laws are the guidelines of governing, and act as a constitution, for the kindred as described in Article I (Name) and these by-laws supersede any previous by-laws, written or otherwise implied.

Article I: Name The name of the organization shall be “Wolves’ Wod Kindred & Tribal Organization, Inc.” hereafter referred to as “Wolves’ Wod Kindred,” or “the Kindred.” Also known as:

Article II: Purpose/Nature We unite as a religious organization, based on a modernized tribal model to create a faith family in celebration of and as adherents to the indigenous Northern European religion of Asatru – the religion of the Aesir and Vanir, and commonly accepted lore as recorded in historical documents, including but not limited to the Poetic and Prose Eddas, the heroic Sagas of the Icelanders, the Fornaldarsagas recovered or maintained via oral tradition such as Northern European folklore and local stories – that illuminate our lives and fulfills our souls and foster a learning and spiritual growth environment through our religious studies, and theology. Wolves’ Wod Kindred does not require but supports member led runic studies, and does not require but supports member led shamanic studies or “seidhr” practices. No participation in a test/evaluation of race, color, nationality, gender, physical challenge, affectional or sexual orientation shall be required of our members, employees or religious leadership. Section A. Position Statement

As an Asatru kindred/religious organization, our fundamental purpose is to foster a connection

between our membership with deity through the honoring of:

The two great kindreds of Northern European gods and goddesses, commonly known as the

Aesir and Vanir in Norse mythology.

Germanic deities that are not specifically mentioned in Old Norse sources, but which are

understood to be beneficent (for example: Eostre/Ostara, Nehalennia, Saxnot, Perchta or Holda,

Nerthus);

Beings known from the commonly accepted texts and oral mythology or folklore to be allies of

the Aesir and Vanir, or who are at least not depicted as openly hostile to our gods and

goddesses and what they stand for, for example: Aegir, Ran, Hel, Jordh/Earth, Sol, Mani, the

Norns;


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Wights of specific places such as the land, the waters, and the home (vaettir, tomten, brownies,

huldufolk, etc.), as well as elves (alfar), dwarves (dvergar), female powers (disir/idises, valkyries),

and other such beings;

Worthy and honorable human heroes and ancestors, ranging from the legendary through the

historical past up to the present day.

Wolves’ Wod Kindred recognizes that freedom of conscience, the free exchange of ideas, and

diversity of opinions are vital for the healthy growth of our religion, religious culture, and

adherents. Wolves’ Wod Kindred does not and will not dictate to individual members how they

may conceive of these beings. However, hailing Loki at Wolves’ Wod Kindred blots and sumbels,

and religious events is not allowed.

Likewise, it is not part of the Wolves’ Wod’s Mission to promote or advance the honoring or

worship of:

Deities and other beings from non-Northern European indigenous religions, including but not

limited to: Greco/Roman, Native American, Kemetic/Egyptian, Vedic or other traditional Indian

deities;

Deities and other beings from the Abrahamic religions, for example: Jehovah, Jesus, Satan, Allah,

Mohammed, angels, djinni;

Beings from Northern European mythology that are understood to be hostile to the Aesir and

Vanir, to humanity, and/or to the cosmological order, as followed by what has come to be

known as “Rokkatru” for example: Angrboda, Fenrir, the Midgard Serpent/Jormungandr, Surtr,

Muspel's Sons, Garm, Nidhogg.

Wolves’ Wod will not put our members through tests or evaluations of faith, but is not

conceived for the purpose of advancing atheism.

The aforementioned beliefs on the part of any individual may or may not preclude them from

being invited as a guest, educator, speaker, or ally of the kindred.

Discussion of such deities and other beings, when relevant to issues surrounding our religion,

may be a normal and necessary occurrence in Wolves’ Wod Kindred forums, meetings, and

publications. However, it is not the purpose of our programs, publications, offices, or

certifications to advocate, promote, or carry out the honoring or worship of these entities. Our

members, guests, and clergy are expected to recognize and respect such boundaries in the

context of Wolves’ Wod Kindred affairs.

Wolves’ Wod Kindred, its officers, and its members may work for the benefit of our organization

with other organizations, including those not dedicated to Asatru, on issues of common

concern.

The officers of the Wolves’ Wod Kindred are hereby charged with implementing this policy into

their operating procedures.


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Article III: Membership Levels There are two levels of membership in Wolves’ Wod Kindred. The two levels of membership are

that of tribal member and congregant member. Tribal members have full participation rights

and responsibilities and hold administrative roles and responsibilities within the kindred,

congregant members have participation rights and responsibilities. The tribal member within

the Kindred is permitted to participate in our biannual business meetings by drafting proposals,

bringing forth administrative matters, and giving counsel and advise to Trustees and Elders.

Tribal members may hold offices within the kindred. The congregant member can participate

fully in kindred sponsored programs, and in worship services but are not allowed to hold office,

they may participate in our biannual business meetings as a presenter, and as a witness to the

activities, but they do not provide counsel to Trustees and Elders during meetings. Both

membership levels may be solicited for membership dues or tithes during the course of kindred

business as established by our budget developed annually and presented at our biannual

business meeting(s).

We also permit for the association of guests, allies, and friends, who participate or assist us in

our religious, educational, informational, social, or volunteer efforts and in the production of

related materials. We refer to this association of people who do not wish to maintain

membership, but wish to contribute to the benefit of the tribe as “Friends of the Tribe.” The

Godhi/Chieftain may also decide to extend this designation to former members whose living

distance, political conscience, spiritual development, time commitments, financial

circumstances, or physical illness/disability do not permit them to participate fully in the

responsibilities or privileges afforded to membership as expressed in these by-laws, our policies

and procedures manual(s), or membership handbook(s), yet they have harmed no member,

property, nor reputation willfully and malignantly, nor have they damaged or assaulted the tribe

as a whole in any real nor lasting fashion.

The Friends of the Tribe may make be asked to attend Thing, at the tribal member’s discretion, if

their advice is considered relevant and valuable. The Friends of the Tribe are not able to hold

office, chair committees, manage our organization’s programs, nor present causes at our

biannual business meeting.

Wolves’ Wod Kindred will strive to be accessible first to Asatru families, young and old. Having

said that, there are a few rules regarding youth and participation. All members and guests must

be at least 18 years of age or older or must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All

children of all members may be invited to attend Kindred activities but the Elders, program

chairs, and Trustees reserve the right to ask that children, who have proven to be a distraction,

remain at home with a caretaker while their parent is attending meetings, religious observances,

classes, etc. Some classes, meetings, etc. may not be deemed appropriate for children, and their

attendance thereof is at the sole discretion of the religious or educational leader, committee

chair or program manager of those events. All parents’ first duties are to see to their children’s

behavior and welfare during all kindred events and functions.

Section A. Needs and Rights of the Tribal Member


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1.) In order to become a tribal member, one must swear an oath. The oath is crafted by the

Godhi/Chieftain. This oath must be sworn on the Godhi/Chieftain’s oath ring, during the sumbel

of a Kindred blot, in the presence of all those assembled. The oath of a member takes place

during the sumbel after the member has participated in a total of 12 full blots (as stated below

in the procedural by-laws of Article III, Section B. (9.), upon invitation of the Godhi/Chieftain.

The Godhi/Chieftain extends the invitation after the level of service has been determined to

have been met by the rest of the tribal members, and after a successful mentorship program

provided by a Trustee, Elder, or clergy member has given them cause to stand as a sponsor of

the congregant member as they achieve tribal membership. Nomination of any new tribal

member is given to the Gothi/Chieftain by the Elders, upon their meeting with the body of

Trustees, and is only achieved after the aforementioned approval process has been met. The

Wolves’ Wod Kindred oath is administered by the Godhi/Cheiftain as it is his or her oath which is

taken and binds the new tribal member to his or her tribal status in the kindred.

2.) The tribal member has the right to fully participate and give counsel to the Trustees, and

Tribal Elders and Godhi/Chieftain in the Winter Thing, Summer Thing or any other Thing of need

that may be called.

3.) Tribal members may serve as mentors for congregant members.

4.) The tribal member has the right to participate in any official Kindred programs relevant to

his/her interest and development as an Asatruar.

4.) Program Leaders and the Clergy of Wolves’ Wod Kindred reserve the right to deny any

member participation in any program if it is deemed contrary to the member’s wellbeing or the

benefit of the Tribe, though every reasonable effort will be made to allow for the freedom of

participation.

5.) A tribal member has the right to hold a postion as a Trustee or officer within the kindred.

6.) A tribal member may be a member of any other heathen or secular organization, unless

direct disapproval is obtained by a unanimous vote of the Elders and a ¾ vote of the Trustees,

and ratification by the Godhi/Chieftain. The tribal member must agree that pledges and oaths

to Wolves’ Wod Kindred shall take precedence over those of said organization(s). Direct

disapproval shall not be given unless the organization is found in direct conflict with Wolves’

Wod Kindred and its principles.

7.) A tribal member may be removed from tribal membership if their conduct is found to be

unlawful, lacking in virtue or honor, or directly harmful to any individual or group of members,

or if their conduct and presence is damaging, harmful, or contrary to the growth, development,

health, and prosperity of Wolves’ Wod Kindred. This determination is made:

• By the Godhi/Chieftain

• After having received closed or open counsel from the Trustees

• After a recorded statement of opinion produced by each of the Elders

Manufactured or created “irreconcilable differences” between tribal members does not

constitute a release of the tribal member from his or her oath to Wolves’ Wod Kindred, and

such falsified hardship may or may not be considered grounds for release on behalf of our


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Godhi/Chieftain after this process of determination. This decision will be made on a case by

case basis.

The tribal member must be given the opportunity to respond within 9 days of verbal notification

or within 14 days of the postmark of a written letter. Electronic communication may serve as a

backup to these methods of communication, but must not be the only method. At the time that

tribal membership is withdrawn, and the member is released from oath and tribal membership,

the former member will be informed as to whether the kindred would like to continue his/her

membership as a “Friend of the Tribe,” congregant members, or whether all ties will be severed

temporarily or indefinitely.

8.) A tribal member must attend six out of twelve blots in a calendar year to maintain tribal

membership. The kindred Trustees and Elders, or Cheiftain/Godhi may move that the tribal

member be placed into “Friend of the Tribe” or congregant member status should the tribal

member fail to attend a minimum six out of twelve blots per year.

9.) A tribal member who wishes to be released of his/her oath will be released of his/her oath

from the kindred by the Godhi/Chieftain of the kindred after petitioning the Godhi/Chieftain in

person for this release. The release of the person from his or her oath to the kindred does not

authorize release from any outstanding financial, current or future professional, or legal

obligations/agreements/waivers/responsibilities that the member may have contracted with the

kindred. These contracts remain binding and supersede release from tribal membership.

10.) In reference to the oath in article III, Section A., number 1, if a tribal member is removed or

leaves of their own volition, the sentiment of “frith” toward the kindred as a group remains

binding, only to the extent that the former member has agreed to refrain from attempts to

defame, dismantle, or otherwise harm the kindred and its members. The former tribal member

need not feel alliance to Wolves’ Wod Kindred in the spiritual sense after release from the oath.

Section B. Needs and Rights of the Congregant Member

1.) A guest is not invited to the Hof or property of Wolves’ Wod until the Godhi/Chieftain,

spouse, and/or any Tribal Elder has met and approved of the guest’s request face to face. The

Godhi/Chieftain will decide when to place a guest into status as a congregant member after the

guest has attended a minimum of 3 blots.

2.) The congregant member must affirm that they are truly interested in pursuing membership

in Wolves’ Wod Kindred, in studying the Asatru religion, and in making valiant attempts to live

as closely as possible by the heroic ideal and the guiding principles as outlined by their mentors

and the clergy in Wolves’ Wod Kindred. This decision to bring the member into the

congregation shall not be formally made by the Godhi/Chieftain until after the guest has

participated in three full blots and sumbels.

3.) The congregant member must behave in a manner as to represent Wolves’ Wod Kindred

with honor and courage for as long as they remain involved with the kindred at any level.

4.) The congregant member of the Kindred has the right to participate in any official Kindred

programs relevant to his/her interest and development as an Asatruar.


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5.) Program Leaders and the clergy of Wolves’ Wod Kindred, reserve the right to deny any

member participation in any program if it is deemed contrary to the member’s well being or the

benefit of the Tribe, though every reasonable effort will be made to allow for the freedom of

participation.

6.) While the congregant member may participate fully in all Kindred programs, and may be

assigned financial tithes or dues, the congregant member does not share the administrative

rights of the tribal member.

• They may or may not be invited to attend the Winter Thing, or any special Thing.

• They are invited to Summer AlThing (annual business meeting) to listen, but may only

speak or present when asked.

• Congregant members may present a proposal or grievance at thing should one Trustee

and one Elder be willing to sponsor the proposal or present the grievance.

• Congregant members may not offer counsel to the Elders or Chieftain/Godhi, nor be

called upon to vote in any matter.

7.) Congregant members do not qualify to serve as a Trustee within our Logretta, nor do they

hold any formal offices.

8.) In order to become a congregant member, the man or woman must meet with the

Godhi/Chieftain or any Elder, face to face, or by another means of real time communication.

Once the Godhi/Chieftain or Elder has met with the prospective congregant member enough

times to have decided to accept him/her as a congregant member, he/she must take the pledge

as specified in Article II, Section B. (2.

The entire kindred then takes on the responsibility for beginning to teach the congregant about

the religion, lore and traditions behind Asatru, and specifically the tribal traditions of Wolves’

Wod Kindred.

8.) The congregant member must participate in full blot and/or Sumbel at the level of guest and

at the congregant membership level for a combined minimum of twelve full blots before

qualifying for the opportunity to be brought into the Tribe at the determination of the tribal

members and Godhi/Chieftain.

The Tribe’s well-being, however, shall not suffer due to this restriction. Under special

circumstances, if the Elders specifically find good cause due to any hindrance in the Tribe’s

ability to function, or continue, the congregant member may become a tribal member of the

Kindred sooner than the congregant member’s twelve blot period.

The Tribe, under the administration of the Godhi/Cheiftain, reserves the right to withhold the

offer of tribal membership into the kindred/tribe to the congregant member. Conversely, the

congregant member may also choose instead to remain at the congregant level, if he or she

wish, and may still apply for tribal membership at any time after the traditional twelve blot

period of participation, so long as his or her attendance, worth, responsibility level, and standing

meet and exceed that of the congregant membership level.

Only one congregant member is brought into the tribe as a tribal member, per Blot, Sumbel, or

faining.


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9.) When a congregant member decides that they wish to off the Wolves’ Wod Kindred tribal

oath to the Godhi/Chieftain on a tribal membership level, a decision will be made as to whether

the Kindred wishes the congregant member in the Kindred as an tribal member, through the

Chieftain/Gothi’s counsel composed of our Trustees and Elders.

• The Trustees discuss the applicant’s standing with the Elders

• The Elders take a vote in front of the Trustees and Chieftain/Godhi.

• The Elder’s vote is recorded by the Kindred Corresponding Secretary

• The Chieftain/Godhi ratifies the vote and makes the offer to oath into the Tribe to the

congregant member.

• The congregant member will be asked to give the standardized Wolves’ Wod Oath, then

upon the swearing of said oath, he/she will become an tribal member of the Kindred

with all needs and rights thereof.

10.) A congregant member of the kindred may be a member of any other heathen or secular

organization unless direct disapproval is obtained from a ¾ tribal membership vote, ratified by

the Godhi/Chieftain. But he/she must agree that pledges to Wolves’ Wod Kindred shall take

precedence over those of said organization(s). The proposition of direct disapproval shall not be

proposed unless the organization is found in direct conflict with Wolves’ Wod Kindred and it’s

principles by the Godhi/Chieftain and Elders of the kindred.

Section C. Inactive Membership

Participation in twelve blots is required to obtain tribal membership into the Kindred, and all

tribal members are required to attend 6 blots per year to retain tribal membership. If the

Tribunal Elders & Godhi/Chieftain haven’t heard from a tribal member or congregant member

for a period of 6 months, by real time communication—face to face or by phone-- then the

Godhi/Chieftain may move that member to inactive status, and said member may lose all rights

and privileges that he/she has earned heretofore and after the circumstances have been

analyzed at Thing, he or she may be considered as having broken their oath or pledges to the

Kindred. Reapplication will be decided by the Godhi/Chieftain on a case by case basis.

Article IV: Leadership Section A: Chiefdom/Gothar/Eldership

The Godhi/Chieftain: Our Asatru Kindred seeks inspiration from the Icelandic Sagas for the

reconstruction of our tribal ways. In the spirit of the culture we have formed a Chiefdom, where

one Godhi or Gythia, who is also a Tribal Elder, holds the position of Godhi/Chieftain or

Chieftain/Godhi as referred to elsewhere in this document. The Godhi/Chieftain holds his or her

position until abdication or death, or by forceable removal from the organization by unanimous

vote at a specially called Thing presided over by the Trustees who form the Logretta.

• In accordance with our disciplinary policies and procedures, the Godhi/Chieftain

is notified in writing one month before the Thing.

• The Godhi/Chieftain recuses him/herself from the specially called Thing

presided over by the Trustees who form the Logretta.


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• Should just cause be found by the Logretta to bring the Godhi/Chieftain to

removal, then a case shall be presented at the same Thing, and all tribal

members not recused from the Thing, nor related by blood or marriage will be

asked to reach a unanimous vote to remove him/her from the office.

In the event that a Godhi/Chieftain is unable to serve for any reason, he/she has the right to

name his/her successor. If he/she is unable to name a successor, the Kindred will choose a new

Godhi/Chieftain to serve temporarily for a period of one year, from any qualified Godhi or

Gythia who is also a Tribal Elder. After the one-year period, the Godhi/Chieftain must be

unanimously confirmed by the tribal members. The confirmation may be put off for an

additional year should the unanimous vote not be reached, and until a unanimous vote is

reached.

The Godhi/Chieftain receives counsel from the Tribal Elders regarding matters of governance

within the Kindred or Tribe. The Godhi/Chieftain also ratifies votes made by our Trustees in

matters not involving the Godhi/Chieftain’s standing.

The Godhi/Chieftain presides over Thing, ordains gothar, ratifies laws, settles disputes, appoints

offices, and is the leader of our seminary and religious education programs.

The Tribal Elders: There shall at all times be a minimum of three Tribal Elders, including at least one clergy who is also the Godhi/Chieftain of the Tribe, and two other Elders as leaders of the Kindred/Tribe. The health, hamingja (luck) and weal (wellbeing) of the Kindred flow from these three people to the Kindred. The main duties of the three Elders are to perform right action so the weal (wellbeing) and hamingja (luck) of the Kindred remain healthy and strong, to rule the Kindred/Tribe by the laws established at the Winter Thing, Summer Althing and any other Thing, and to act as the official representation of the tribe in all matters. The position of Tribal Elder is permanent until abdication, death, or removal by the tribe as described below. If any elders are found by their actions to have harmed the hamingja (luck) and weal (wellbeing) of the Kindred/Tribe, then they may be impeached and subsequently kept or removed from their position by the Kindred with an advanced calling of a Thing and the oathed members and the two remaining Elders voting a ¾ majority for their removal. This vote must include all oathed members of the kindred to be notified of the Thing occurring at least two months in advance of the event, and all must be present or an absentee ballot may be presented at the Thing by next of kin (member or non-member) signed and dated. In the event that a removal occurs, the Godhi/Chieftain upon receiving rede from the remaining Elders, may select a member to serve as Elder for a period of one year. Whether the position is inherited by abdication or death, or upon the forced removal of a previous Elder, the member serving as Elder will serve for a probationary period of one year, and then their permanency is voted upon by the oathed members and two remaining Elders at a special Thing held at the end of their probationary term. They must be voted into permanent office by a ¾ majority vote held at this event. Godhi/ Gythia: The male and female religious leaders (clergy) of the Kindred are called the


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Godhi and Gythia respectively. The term Gothar is used when referring in the plural. They shall be the spiritual leaders (clergy) whose primary concerns are to uphold, further and deepen the values of the Asatru religion. They shall have freedom of the “pulpit” as leaders of religious observances. They shall have general charge of all formal religious observances and services conducted in the name of the Kindred. They shall exercise supervision of the use of all official Hofs, Ve, or meeting houses, should one be built, and the services or paid employees of the Kindred in accordance with the wishes of the Kindred and other Tribal Elders. Any compensation and terms of service shall be set forth in written agreement. The agreement(s) shall be presented in written report to oathed members of the Kindred at the annual Thing without invading the privacy or trust of individual Kindred members who have paid for or requested such services. One clergy member, elder, or persons designated by the Godhi/Chieftain shall sit on every tribal committee/program/group that is organized and shall be present somewhere on the grounds during official Kindred programs. Section B: Elected Offices Trustees: A Trustee is one who has shown over time through service to the Kindred that he/she is dedicated to the weal (wellbeing) of the Kindred/Tribe. The Trustees are people who have shown themselves through their experience and membership to be possessed of wisdom and council. As we grow, we will have five Trustees in place at all times. These people will be nominated by the Tribal Elders, ratified by the Godhi/Chieftain, and confirmed by vote at the Winter Thing or Summer Althing. A Trustee may step down from his/her duties at any time, with advanced notice of one month, but can be removed only by the Godhi/Chieftain at any time. Section C.: Appointed Offices Treasurer: A treasurer will be nominated by a tribal member at Thing and appointed by the Godhi/Chieftain to handle monetary/property concerns. If the Kindred has the opportunity to obtain monies or properties these transactions will be handled through the Kindred’s business bank account. Treasurers must be present at all Things. The Treasurer shall: 1.) Receive and have custody of monies of the Kindred 2.) Pay all proper bills of the Kindred 3.) Maintain all financial records 4.) Report to the Kindred as requested 5.) Make a report for the prior fiscal year by each Winter Thing, and give an update at Summer Althing. 6.) Shall, jointly with the Kindred members or a professional agent, legally contracted with the Kindred, be responsible for the investment of funds and securities of the Kindred, and shall report on the status of such funds and securities at each biannual Thing of the Kindred 7.) Have all written records opened at all times for the serious-minded, interested, contributing members of the Kindred to be examined in accordance with the IRS rules for not-for-profit religious organizations and churches. 8.) Be able to be bonded Secretary, should the serving Secretary be unable to be present: The Secretary is an officer who will be nominated by a tribal member at Thing, and appointed by the Chieftain to act as Secretary during all Things. If the Secretary is absent, the Treasurer will be


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appointed to act in absentia. If both officers are absent, then the Godhi/Chieftain may appoint a tribal member from the assembly to act in absentia. Secretary: The Secretary shall serve the Tribe as corporate secretary. The Secretary is an officer who will be nominated by an tribal member at Thing, and appointed by the Chieftain, to act as Secretary during all Things, and for the Tribe’s activities. 1.) He or she shall be responsible for recording all actions by the Tribe and shall be the custodian of the records of the Tribe. 2.) The Secretary may designate volunteers to help with the recording of actions by the Tribe during events and program activities, etc., and may recruit volunteers for communications via the internet, or the print publications for our members. 3.) The Secretary must be the sole custodian responsible for maintaining a dual/backup copy of all business and legal documents involving the Tribe and its membership. 4.) The Secretary’s Thing records shall include the text of the proposed action, the date of final determination, the outcome if the Chieftain calls for a vote, the numbers of affirmative votes, negative votes, and abstentions, and the specific votes of each Elder and Trustee member. The Secretary shall keep a copy of all records made, and shall forward the official records to the Chieftain’s office. A copy of all Thing records shall be made for the members within each quarter following each Thing held.

Article V: Kindred Structure Wolves’ Wod Kindred will have a Tribal Structure, and as such will ever be based primarily on family. As such, our Kindred structure will have as its basic unit, the Family. This will be the foundation of our Kindred. This foundation is called, “The House.” Section A. The House The House is defined as any individual or individual and their family that live in domestic partnership. Every man and woman are Godhi and Gydhia of their own household, and the Kindred is to respect differences between one rooftree and another, and the right to privacy of practice from our members within their homes. Having said that, direct violation of our creed as set forth by our Gothar, conduct unbecoming a member, and disputes between Kindred members may be resolved at the Winter Thing, Summer Althing or a special calling of a Thing at the discretion of the Godhi/Chieftain. Section B. The Kindred The Kindred is defined as a group of two or more Houses that have banded together. At this time, Wolves’ Wod Kindred is a Kindred. Should the Kindred grow beyond the number of 20 people, and two or more houses are interested in joining, the Kindred, the Tribunal Elders and Trustees shall work together at a specially called Thing to amend the Kindred by-laws to raise our structure to a larger Tribal Level.


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Article VI: Tribal Governing Section A. The Winter Thing/ Summer Althing/ Thing The Summer Althing is the main legal assembly of the Kindred. Wolves’ Wod Kindred holds it’s Summer Althing during the month of July. All Kindred matters are voted into Tribal law and ratified by the Chieftain at the Althing, and tribal disputes are settled as well. The Treasurer will present all monetary reports that are requested at this time. All program leaders or persons engaging in committee leadership, program management, or persons teaching classes will be asked to share a progress report on their activities. In addition, we hold a Blot of Reaffirmation to reinforce the bonds that hold our Kindred/Tribe together. The Winter Thing is held in January, prior to 01/31. This is the beginning of the fiscal year for Wolves’ Wod Kindred. At this time, only disputes will be settled, or program proposals determined, and the annual monetary report will be given, unless the Tribal Elders deem it necessary to call for a change in the law as ratified by the Chieftain. Leaders or persons engaging in committee leadership, program management, or persons teaching classes may have the opportunity to share a progress report on their activities. Unanticipated Things: A Thing may be called and settled upon need to settle disputes, provide for a disciplinary action, or vote on a new tribal law that may need to be decided before the Althing or Winter Thing. The Godhi/Chieftain acts as jurisprudence presiding over the Thing/ Althing/ Winter Thing. The Godhi/Chieftain may nominate a Trustee or Elder to preside over Thing if he/she is unable. The Godhi/Chieftain, Trustee or Elder may not act as jurisprudence over a dispute concerning their own action or status in the Kindred/Tribe. As we grow and develop 5 Trustees in our group, disciplinary actions and disputes between all members will be voted upon by the Tribal Court, made up of all 5 Trustees, but the Godhi/Chieftain, upon receiving counsel from the Tribal Elders, will reserve the power to decide action/compensation. Right now, all disputes will be voted upon by the assembled tribal members that are not involved in the dispute, and the Godhi/Chieftain, upon receiving counsel from the Tribal Elders reserves the power to decide action/compensation. Following are the guidelines of the procedure for the Althing/ Winter Thing/ Thing. 1.)Any tribal member has the right to bring any matter of relevance to the entire Kindred to the

Althing/ Winter Thing/ Thing. In order to participate in the Althing/ Winter Thing/ Thing, the

tribal member must attend physically. While a congregant member may not present causes,

proposals, nor grievances at thing, and must be invited by the Godhi/Chieftain to attend, any

Trustee and Elder member may advocate for a congregant member and sponsor his or her

dispute, proposal, or cause. In which case, the Godhi/Chieftain may invite the congregant

member to speak, offer information to the tribal members, and present on his/her own behalf.

During matters which call for a vote, the Trustee and/or Elder sponsor must make the motion at

the direction of the Secretary. A Tribal Elder or the Godhi/Chieftain may advocate on behalf of

any absentee tribal member during any Thing.

2.) Any tribal member may give counsel to the Godhi/Chieftain regarding the enforcement or formation of Kindred law.


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3.) Any tribal member may propose new or enhancements to existing programs to benefit Wolves’ Wod Kindred. 4.) Any tribal members may volunteer to lead efforts to develop and advance the Kindred through special programs. 5.) All proposals should be brought to the Thing in accordance with current policies and procedures as presided over by the Godhi/Chieftain. 6.) All disputes between members should be voted on in accordance with current disciplinary policies and procedures as presided over by the Godhi/Chieftain, and the Godhi/Chieftain shall decide all action/compensation in such disputes. 7.) All new laws must be discussed by the tribal membership present. The Tribal Elders must then be asked for their counsel by the Godhi/Chieftain regarding the law. The Godhi/Chieftain reserves the right of veto. 8.) Any dispute that cannot be settled between two parties themselves may be brought to a regular or specially called Thing for mediation as described further in Article VI Section B “Tribal Court.”

• A dispute should always be settled between two parties themselves before going on to

anyone else, or before drawing any additional parties into the dispute.

• If the two parties, or houses fail to reconcile, it is inappropriate and considered against

policy and Tribal health or luck to involve any other congregant or tribal members in the

dispute.

o The exception to this bylaw, is that a congregant member must ask a non-

relative Trustee or unrelated Elder to sponsor their dispute and represent them

at Thing.

• If each party is composed of tribal members, they may bring their dispute forward to

the Elders or private resolution. If the Godhi/Chieftain and Elders find that no private

mediation is possible, then the matter must be brought to the Althing/ Winter Thing/

Thing for settlement. The Secretary will be asked to place the matter on the Agenda as

“house name” vs. “house name” with no details or comments on the matter.

• If the matter cannot wait for a regular Thing, then the party or parties may appeal to the

Secretary, any Elder, or Godhi/Chieftain to call a special Thing.

• The parties will directly address the Trustees, Elders, and Godhi/Chieftain to present

their dispute. They will not address each other. After their presentation, there will be

time set aside for the Trustees to discuss the matter, the Elder’s to vote and the

Godhi/Chieftain to decide.

• Trustees and Elders may not participate in ongoing discussions during any dispute

involving themselves after they have presented their own case.

• Both parties must abide by the decision that is reached during thing.

• No person or house-member involved in the dispute may serve on the Tribal Court for

any disciplinary case. A Trustee or tribal member selected by the Godhi/Chieftain will

substitute for them.

Section B. The Tribal Court The Tribal Court is the judicial body of the Althing/ Winter Thing/ Thing and is responsible for reaching a decision in the matter of personal disputes brought before the Kindred at these events. Normally, the Tribal Court would be composed of 5 Trustees. As our Kindred is not yet completely formed and is small yet, each tribal member not involved in the case may serve on


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the Tribal Court. The Tribal Elders will not serve on the Tribal Court when we have one, instead they will serve as councilors for the Godhi/Chieftain when it is time to arrive at a decision regarding action/compensation.

Article VII: Property In the event it shall ever become necessary or desirable to dispose of some or all of the real estate, buildings or any purchased property belonging to the Kindred, the following procedure shall be adhered to: 1.) Donated properties shall be returned to the donors, next of kin, or proper heirs as recorded in a personal legal will, if it is possible to do so. 2.) A Thing will be called for all tribal members 3.) A Vote shall be taken from each tribal Kindred member present at the meeting or by phone. Of the total tribal members voting, 9/10 must agree to return the property or to sell. If 1/10 or more of these so voting do not agree, then the property under discussion cannot be sold or returned. 4.) All present voters shall vote by secret ballot, and the votes shall be counted immediately after the balloting by a randomly selected committee of three. 5.) Results of the balloting shall be announced before the meeting is closed and an opportunity to check the ballots shall be given to any member present desiring to do so.

Article VIII: Dissolution In the event conditions are such that this Kindred should ever be dissolved, the property of the Kindred shall be disposed of in the same manner as outlined above in Article VII. The Godhi/Chieftain and Tribal Elders, with the advice of the Trustees, other officers and teachers, shall prepare a list of those institutions or individuals, if any, that are to benefit from the monies or properties of the Kindred. This list shall be presented to the tribal membership for approval in the manner indicated under Article VII. The list of beneficiaries shall include descendants of donors and only those institutions or groups that believe in the virtues found listed under Article II (Nature and Purpose), or charities found to be deserving of a portion of our charity. In the unlikely, and unfortunate event that these matters be not resolved at a Thing, nor resolved 7-10 business days after, the Tribal Elders will dispose of these properties as they see fit in accordance to Article VII.

Article IX: Amendments These by-laws may be amended only by the Godhi/Chieftain’s ratification, having received a vote of the tribal membership, and counsel by the Tribal Elders, at the Althing/ Winter Thing/ Thing. Any member may make a suggestion for the change in the by-laws and must submit it, in writing to the by-laws committee, which is made up of the Godhi/Chieftain, all Tribal Elders, and appointed officers or tribal members, no less than 24 hours in advance of a posted by-laws committee meeting. At this time, the by-laws committee shall meet once a year, no less than 2 weeks before the Winter Thing. So saith the Tribunal Elders of Wolves’ Wod Kindred on this date, 07/15/2017 Kim Welch Brent Koch Heather Nance

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